Marnie is usually a binge reader, the kind who finds a great book and devours it in one go, even if that means turning up to work on four hours of sleep. The past two weekends she was house-sitting, which unexpectedly pulled her away from her usual routine and into a full reading marathon. With nothing but time and books, she read four in two weekends and wanted to share them with you.
I usually find a good book and binge-read, which isn’t always so conducive to my daily schedule! There’s been more than one occasion where I’ve turned up to work on 4 hours of sleep and a new book to rave about (hello Blood Over Bright Haven).
The past two weekends I’ve been house-sitting, which had the interesting effect of removing all the things that usually keep me busy on a weekend, and sent me straight into a reading marathon. I read four books these last two weekends and I thought I’d tell you about them!
El Infierno: Drugs, Gangs, Riots and Murder
By Pieter Tritton
I started strong with a book I came across in some YouTube videos, written by a former cocaine trafficker, Pieter Tritton. When he got caught smuggling cocaine in South America, he ended up in the Ecuadorian prison system. El Infierno is a fascinating account of life inside a corrupt system and how to survive in an environment completely controlled by gangs.
The Name of the Wind
By Patrick Rothfuss
My second book came to me highly recommended by Cam and Tim, The Name of the Wind. This book felt like it was giving me a gentle hug while it told me a story. I can’t wait to get to the second installment and get the rest of the tale. It is written so poetically, just such a delight to read.
The Poet Empress
By Shen Tao
The Poet Empress is a newly released book, which I discovered only after reading that this is her debut novel! Drawing on her Chinese roots, this is a political fantasy that follows a village girl fighting for power within a dynasty. This is a wonderful study in getting to know characters, and the many dynamics in a battle for the throne. I cannot recommend this book enough. I started it on Saturday morning with the intent to make it last, and finished it at 1am the same day.
Are You Mad at Me?
By MegJosephson
I finished off my weekend with Are You Mad At Me? A therapist’s guide to getting over people-pleasing. I would particularly suggest this book to anyone who feels stuck in the ‘fawn’ response as a result of a dysfunctional childhood; it explores different family dynamics and how they can result in a chronic people-pleaser.
The second half gets into healing from it, how to notice when you’re stuck in a cycle, how to listen to what you’re feeling, and get yourself out.
Finally, I need to give an honorary mention to my current audiobook: The Count of Monte Cristo. My commutes are currently listening to Dantès’ plight. I’ve heard so much about this book recently and decided to give it a go, much like Dune I wanted to read the book before I watched the movie. I’m 18% into a 47 hour listen, so perhaps I can’t give you a full review yet, but I’m loving it so far!
